The Nigerian Federal Government has executed a social media purge, terminating 13m social media accounts across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X for hosting offensive content.
This development was announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The Nigerian agency said the development to ban 13m social media accounts is part of efforts to regulate digital spaces and ensure safer online environments.
The social media purge was also detailed in a report submitted by tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, under the supervision of NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The report disclosed that 58,909,112 harmful posts were removed, with 754,629 user complaints processed and 420,439 posts reinstated after appeals.
Speaking on the development, Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, stated that the social media purge aligns with Nigeria’s regulatory framework, mandating platforms to comply with local laws, including tax obligations and registration.
She revealed: “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.
“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.
“It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.
“This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.
“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.
“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
